It's not over yet

8 ways to keep summer alive

Before you resign yourself to the reality of the "f" word ("fall") and pull the plug on summer fun, check out this crop of late-blooming events that will keep summer spirits -- if not temps -- sky-high.

Whether or not you're a native Wisconsinite, you can camp out in comfort at the daylong Musky Fest. The indoor-outdoor party at Will's Northwoods Inn, named after a fishing fest in Hayward, Wis., unwinds with beer-soaked brats, a polka band and a Leinenkugel's keg truck on site. Score woodsy giveaways such as a regulation-size canoe and watch guest bartenders compete for the coveted title of Musky Queen. 11 a.m. Saturday. No cover. 3030 N. Racine Ave. 773-528-4400.

3. Stop and smell the roses

And the grass. And the fire hydrants. Take your best friend to a Pug Party at Zella to mingle with a crop of flat-faced cuties (more than 400 are expected) as they take control of the bar and hit the streets for a 2:30 p.m. parade around the block. Noon. Oct. 4. $6 per person; free for pugs. 1983 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-485-2100.

Nothing says summer like a cold one. Or five. Pair brews with brats and live music at the Eighth Annual Oktoberfest in Lakeview. Oompah bands and pop-rockers such as Mike and Joe and 16 Candles play the three-day fest under a weather-be-damned big-top tent. 5 p.m. Sept. 26; 11 a.m. Sept. 27; noon Sept. 28. $5 donation. Lincoln and Southport Avenues. 773-665-4682.

8. Pedal up a thirst

Give your bike a post-season workout at the Urban Assault Ride. The bicycle scavenger hunt, conceived in Austin, Texas, brings an array of wacky physical challenges to Chicago as teams of two seek out checkpoints and vie for prizes. The bash wraps up with plenty of New Belgium beer. 9 a.m. Sept. 28. $60. Murphy's Bleachers, 3665 N. Sheffield Ave. Register online: urbanassaultride.com